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Del Rio staying with Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE - Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio is staying with the team, as Wayne Weaver made clear in a news conference this afternoon.

The morning was filled with rumors and a report out of California about the University of Southern California offering him a head coaching job. Early this morning, Del Rio called the report "a figment of other people's imaginations."

The Los Angeles Daily News said Del Rio, who starred at USC as a linebacker, hadn't accepted the job because of his contract with the Jaguars. Del Rio still has three years and $15 million left on his deal.

But Del Rio denied the deal consistently. "That's all speculation and hype. I'm getting ready to go in. We're working on our off-season plan right now," Del Rio said. "It's business as usual."

Asked again about the report of a contract in hand, Del Rio said, "All of those things are manufactured. The only thing I can tell you is I've been busy working on the Jaguars for 2010."

"You will be here next year?" he was asked.

"Yeah, yeah. Just let it all play out. I have a great job here. I'm looking forward to getting in and getting back to work," Del Rio replied.

Del Rio would have replaced Pete Carroll at USC. Carroll bolted for the NFL to take the head coaching job with the Seattle Seahawks. OSU's Mike Riley, Washington's Steve Sarkisian, Boise State's Chris Peterson, and Jeff Fisher with the Tennessee Titans took their names off the list of potential candidates which moved Del Rio to the top.

Owner Wayne Weaver spent much of the day meeting with Del Rio, and in his news conference said he feels this team is on the verge of success.

He also said he's about to turn 75, and wants a ring. "I want to win," he said adamantly.

Del Rio has been with the Jaguars for the past seven seasons, posting a 57-55 record. His coaching career began in 1997 as an assistant strength coach with the New Orleans Saints under Mike Ditka.

The developments come on a day when the city and the Jaguars are teaming up for Touchdown Jacksonville. The event at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium is part of a long-term plan to boost support for the Jaguars and get fans back in the seats.